Sony has announced the formation of a new PlayStation studio named teamLFG, which is currently working on its debut game. According to a post on the PlayStation Blog by Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment's Studio Business Group, teamLFG originated at Bungie, the developer behind Destiny and Marathon. The studio is focused on an ambitious incubation project that Hulst is very excited about.
The name teamLFG, which stands for 'Looking For Group,' reflects the studio's emphasis on social gaming. Their first game is described as a team-based action game that draws inspiration from a variety of genres including fighting games, platformers, MOBAs, life sims, and "frog-type games." Set in a new, mythic, science-fantasy universe, the game promises a lighthearted and comedic atmosphere.
teamLFG is driven by a mission to foster friendship, community, and belonging through their games. They aim to create an environment where players can enjoy discovering their teammates online, forming bonds, and creating memorable moments. The studio emphasizes the importance of players learning, playing, and mastering their games for countless hours, with a focus on immersive multiplayer worlds.
The team plans to involve the community in the development process through early access playtests, allowing them to react to player feedback not only before the game's launch but throughout its live service to continually enhance the game and its community.
The 100 Best PlayStation Games of All Time
View 100 Images
teamLFG's game is an incubation project that emerged from Bungie during significant layoffs last year. Following Sony's acquisition, Bungie faced challenges in meeting financial targets with Destiny 2, leading to layoffs affecting around 100 employees in November 2023, and another 220 in 2024, which was 17% of the studio's workforce. Some 155 employees were integrated into other parts of Sony Interactive Entertainment, and it was during this time that the incubation project was spun off into teamLFG.
A former Bungie lawyer praised Sony's role in pushing for improvements to Destiny 2, describing it as a positive influence. Since then, Bungie has revealed the extraction shooter Marathon and outlined the future roadmap for Destiny 2. However, there are no plans for Destiny 3, and a spinoff project called Payback has been canceled.
